Be simple, savvy and seen in 2026

New year, same as the old year?

Let me stop you right there. It can’t be — for a lot of reasons.

For one, you’ve got another year of life experience and insight under your belt. Use what you learned wisely. For PR purposes, test what you have in mind by asking:

❓ “Will other people care about this?”

❓ “How will it make their worlds simpler and savvier?”

Answer those, and you could create months of material that gets you known — or better known.

• Listen before you speak. As people who serve others, listen to what clients and customers say. As passionate as you are about your business, book or ball, their needs will ideally guide you. You don’t have to push PLAY on every suggestion, but keep their feedback in mind as you evolve.

• Embrace your own kind of crazy. There’s a chance we’re in for another batsh** crazy year. Make your crazy something fun and productive — or both. Challenge the status quo without losing your purpose — or cool (I know that second one can be tough). You do you.

• Map it, then pivot. Map your publicity plans to have a path to follow, but keep it flexible enough to pivot when news in your industry breaks. Or when you need a break.

• Avoid the copycat trap. Follow trends but don’t jump into all of them to get noticed. Just because something becomes the flavor of the month doesn’t mean you have to fall in line (can we obliterate everyone’s copycat end-of-year “wraps” already?). You have a better chance of getting eyeballs with your own catchy tagline, wordplay or community-building activity.

Wishing you a new year filled with love, laughter and loads of great PR opportunities. Cuz of course.

Let me know how I can help write, edit and manage your business, book or ball’s 2026 PR plan — or for someone you know.

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And this …

An old friend’s dad passed last week, and even though it’s a life cycle thing, mourning a good person who’s no longer on the planet never gets easier.

While I connected with a few people I haven’t seen in eons, it was a few words one of his sons spoke about his dad, a prominent business owner, that stuck with me. Much like Maya Angelou’s words about the way we make people feel, Pat imparted to those carrying on a business his father started that the way you make people feel is bigger than the deal.

And with Henry “Pat” Kerns in mind, this week’s Just BeCAUSE:

The Judy Kerns Pence Cancer Fund helps people who may otherwise not access life-saving colonoscopies that can detect cancer at its early, treatable stages.

Most importantly, if you’re in your mid-40s or older, don’t put off getting a colonoscopy. Hey, you can literally run 🏃🧻into the new year with peace of mind. ✌🏼

©2025 Gail Sideman; gpublicity.com; SIDEbar

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